SPN Weekly Newsletter #12

November 9, 2021

“I never lose -- I learn...”

Nelson Mandela

Principal's Message

This Friday marks the end of the first trimester (12 weeks) of the 2021-22 school year. The rhythm of the school year has always worked well for me. As summer turns to Fall we begin the journey of a new school year. Fresh start, clean slate. We set goals for ourselves and our students. We begin our work. Diligently we strive to transition to this new year, a new group of students if you’re the teacher, a new teacher if you’re a student or parent. We review what we’ve learned in previous years so that we connect new knowledge to prior knowledge. Beginnings and endings move the trimesters along. We begin a new unit of study, we work on skills and concepts, and then we conclude with some kind of assessment or evaluation such as a quiz, test, project or performance.

Our SLCPresident, Tiburon Horvath, begins every morning assembly with an inspirational quote on how to approach each new day with hope and optimism. Indeed, the rhythm of school is a continuous cycle of fresh starts, new beginnings, learning and experiencing, and then assessing progress made. While this is a community of learning, we know that we don’t all learn in the same ways or on the same timeline. However, the hope of learning, improving and progressing drives educators and students to persevere.

Report cards for this first trimester will be distributed next Friday, November 19th. I hope this is not a source of anxiety or stress but rather an accurate reflection of how your children, our students, are performing in school at this time. There should not be any surprises on the report card. Keep in mind that our philosophy is to educate the whole child, and that we consider social emotional wellness, like physical wellness, to be vital to academic success. Please reach out to teachers if you have concerns or questions regarding the report cards, and remember to help your students set SMART -- Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely-- goals for him/herself.

I love quotes, and this quote by Nelson Mandela is one of my favorites. What a fabulous attitude for learning and education. My son and I use it all the time when we reflect on things that don’t go our way or we don’t get the results we hoped to get. We often learn most from our mistakes, so embrace all opportunities to learn and grow. I’ll close this discussion with one more favorite quote. Ernest Hemingway said, “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” Let’s remember to enjoy the journey.

Warmly,

Julie Thomas

Interim Principal

Updates and Information

This Week's Schedule:
Tomorrow, Wednesday, November 10th, is a noon dismissal, Share and Care is open.
Thursday, November 11th is Veteran's Day - No school and No Share and Care.
Friday, November 12th is a regular full day schedule.
COVID Vaccinations: It's exciting to see so many of our younger students getting their vaccination shots this week! The office will be happy to make a copy of their vaccination cards for our records once they are fully vaccinated.
The Book Club is now meeting on Mondays. Same time, same place.
Altar Server timing moved for this Saturday: If you have signed up with the parish as an altar server, please note that the time to come on Saturday is now 10:45am (not 10am).
The Book Fair is around the corner! See section below for details.
8th grade holiday card fundraiser - See below for details.

School Happenings

Book Fair!

SPN's annual Book Fair is coming this Sunday! Visit the Book Fair to find wonderful books and gifts for your child(ren), friends, and family. There is something for everyone. Also, help build your child(ren)'s classroom library by purchasing books from their classroom wish list.

Book Fair Dates & Hours:

Sunday, Nov. 14 – 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 15 – 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 16 – 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 17 – 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 18 – 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 19 – 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Our Book Fair offers a cash-free payment option called eWallet. It’s a convenient digital account that your child can use for shopping at our Fair. If you are unable to attend the Fair in person, we invite you to visit our online Book Fair from

Nov. 12th - Nov. 25th.

‌

SLE recognition in TK - go River!

4th graders Izzy and Aria get creative on a rainy day

Preschoolers and their books!

Many young Spartans are getting their COVID vaccines this week!

Spartan staff sighting! Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Halkias root for their team!

8th Grade fundraiser

Parish Happenings

Community Happenings

Carondelet High School’s Open House is just around the corner on Sunday, November 14. Stop by between 12:00 and 2:00 PM to see campus, hear from administrators, watch choir performances, and more! Make sure to register in advance at carondeleths.org/apply. Carondelet and De La Salle’s deadline to apply is December 10. Financial Aid applications for both schools open on December 1.

For more information about Carondelet and De La Salle or to sign up for our events, check out our websites at carondeleths.org and dlshs.org. Please reach out to us with any questions at admissions@carondeleths.org (Carondelet) and admissions@dlshs.org (De La Salle). We look forward to getting to know your family soon!